St James’s Hospital has reached a significant milestone in cancer care, with 150 patients having now received Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy since becoming the first adult hospital in Ireland to deliver the pioneering treatment in December 2021.
To mark the occasion, patients, families and healthcare staff will gather to celebrate the impact of this pioneering treatment, while also remembering patients who have since passed away. The event comes nearly five years after the first patient in Ireland received CAR-T therapy at St James’s Hospital, transforming access to advanced blood cancer treatment for patients across the country.
CAR-T therapy is an innovative form of immunotherapy that involves collecting a patient’s own T-cells, genetically modifying them to recognise and attack cancer cells, and reinfusing them back into the patient. For many patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant blood cancers, it offers hope when other treatment options have been exhausted.
Since the first CAR-T treatment was delivered at St James’s Hospital in December 2021, the programme has expanded steadily, offering hope to patients from across Ireland with relapsed and treatment-resistant blood cancers.
The event will feature patients and families whose lives have been touched by CAR-T therapy, including a patient who travelled to the UK for treatment before CAR-T became available in Ireland, and the daughter of Ireland’s first CAR-T patient.
For Louise Ward, daughter of Martin Ward (RIP), the first person in Ireland to receive CAR-T therapy, the milestone has special significance. Having exhausted conventional treatment options, Martin received CAR-T therapy so his family understands first-hand the difference the treatment can make to patients and their loved ones.
Louise Ward said: “CAR-T gave our family precious time together that we will always cherish. I know for my dad, being able to receive the treatment here in Ireland made an enormous difference, removing the stress and uncertainty of having to travel abroad during such a difficult time.”
Dr Larry Bacon, Consultant Haematologist and Clinical Lead for CAR-T at St James’s Hospital, said: “Reaching 150 patients is an important milestone, but what matters most are the individuals and families behind that number. Since the programme began, CAR-T therapy has transformed outcomes for many patients with relapsed and refractory blood cancers who previously had limited treatment options. This achievement reflects the dedication of a multidisciplinary team whose expertise and commitment make this highly specialised treatment possible.”
Mary Day, Chief Executive Officer, St James’s Hospital, said: “As home to the Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, Ireland’s first and only OECI-accredited Comprehensive Cancer Centre, we are proud to lead the delivery of pioneering cancer treatments and world-class care. Treating 150 patients with CAR-T therapy reflects the expertise, dedication and collaboration of our staff and partners, and the life-changing impact of innovation for patients and families across Ireland.”
Liz Higgins, CAR-T Service Co-Ordinator and Lead Nurse, said: “This celebration is about patients and families. It is a chance to reflect on the hope that CAR-T therapy has brought to so many people, while also remembering those who are no longer with us. Every patient who has come through our programme has left a lasting impact on our team.”
The event will celebrate the progress achieved since Ireland’s CAR-T programme began, while recognising the courage and resilience of every patient and family who has been part of the journey and remembering those who are no longer with us.
